Dumpling Classes for Lunar New Year
Thanks to everyone who has been writing asking about online cooking classes for Lunar New Year! I’m thrilled there are so many of you interested in doing virtual events to celebrate such a significant holiday. I’ve been getting many requests and will answer each individually as soon as I can. In the mean time, here are some FAQs regarding online cooking classes, especially related to Chinese New Year.
Is February 12th available? The first day of Chinese New Year has been a very popular request! I currently have Feb. 12th on hold for one group. However, there are many other significant dates for your group to do a virtual event! February 11th is Chinese New Year’s Eve, and it’s as important for Chinese families as the first day of the New Year. In fact, Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner is the most important meal of the entire holiday, as big as Thanksgiving is to Americans. In northern China, it’s also a tradition to eat dumplings close to midnight to symbolize prosperity for the New Year. And because we prep for Chinese Year Year days before it begins, and the Chinese New Year holiday itself lasts for 15 days, you can hold your virtual class/event anytime between early February to February 26th and still be part of the Lunar New Year celebration.
Will you send a list of ingredients ahead of time? Yes, definitely! I have been teaching classes for 12+ years and have this down to a science. :) All of the ingredients for the Dumplings class are easy to find in any store, and most of the ingredients in other classes such as Stir-fry on the Fly and Sichuan can be found in most American grocery stores. I also offer many suggestions for substitutes, if you can’t find a specific ingredient. And I have suggestions for anyone on a plant-based diet, gluten-free diet, or need to substitute ingredients because of allergies or sensitivities.
Is there an option to mail ingredients to students? I offer this as a last resort, but honestly, I guarantee you that all or most of the ingredients for Dumpling-Making you already have in your own home. Other classes only require a quick trip to the grocery store, and there are many substitutes for specialty items if you aren’t near an Asian market. Mailing heavy food items via USPS or UPS just isn’t very practical at this time.
Will you send recipes for us to follow? Yes, of course! In class I like to emphasize cooking by using your five senses, but having recipes to follow along with is great for anyone new to a cuisine or anyone who wants to recreate a dish afterwards.
Please contact me for any other questions related to your class!